13 Essential Tips for Small-Space Living

26 Aug 13 Essential Tips for Small-Space Living

In Dwell’s September issue, they feature compact homes from British Columbia to Los Angeles that make the most of their compact square footage. Here, some of the featured homeowners share their tried-and-tested tips for maximizing a small space.

1. “Light colors make [your space] feel more spacious and airy,” says Macy Miller. Miller’s compact home in Boise, Idaho, built for only $11,000, is featured in our September issue.

2. Miller’s second tip: “Find storage in unusual spaces—between wall studs of a non-insulated interior wall for example, a rod under a shelf for hanging cups/towels, or storage in stairs which would otherwise be wasted space.”

3. “Windows with a view to the outside open up the space and make it feel much larger,” Miller says.

5. “Think of ways in which your space can suit multiple purposes,” Miller adds. “My table is my desk, my sewing space, my drawing table, etc. You’ll only be able to do one thing at a time, so make one space fit you and all of your needs.”

Photo by: Raimund Koch

6. “Keep it clean—and more importantly, keep it neat,” advises Karen Kiest, whose compact prefab cabin is featured in our September issue. “It’s easier to clean that it is to tidy. Things tend to pile up, and once that happens, the space turns into a series of clutters.”

Photo by: Misty Keasler

7. “I have been very careful to pare down the furniture requirements, and to make the few furnishings do double duty.” Kiest says. “My dinner table is technically an outdoor table, and with the paired side table and chairs it’s easy to set up indoors or out.”

10. “Use light colored wood for floors,” suggest Ned and Brenda Drew, whose New York City apartment is featured in our September issue. “We chose to use Bamboo primarily because it’s environmentally friendly, but a major side benefit was that it opened up the space and made the apartment feel much larger than it really was.”

Photo by: Matthew Williams

11. “White walls make a big difference,” the Drews say. “By leaving the walls white and neutral we were able to create visual interest by hanging quirky or interesting artwork and personal mementos.”

Photo by: Adam Friedberg

12. “‘A place for everything, and everything in its place.’ It sounds simple enough but this is probably the most important rule we have,” the Drews say. “Making sure that things don’t pile up, putting them away as they come helps us avoid clutter and reduces the impression of a cramped space.”

Photo by: David Engelhardt

13. “Storage in ceiling—we were lucky in that we live on the top floor so our ceilings are taller than most,” the Drews say. “We took advantage of this by converting space above the bathroom into storage. Also, our architects designed storage spaces above our closet and in the hallway.”